NEW DELHI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has significantly strengthened its nationwide campaign against organised crime by carrying out a series of coordinated operations targeting drug trafficking and gold smuggling networks. The recent crackdowns have resulted in the seizure of large quantities of cocaine, gold, silver, and foreign currencies, while dozens of individuals linked to sophisticated smuggling syndicates have been arrested.
Major Cocaine Seizure in Surat
In its latest operation, DRI officials seized 2 kg of cocaine in Surat and arrested one person under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The seizure forms part of an extensive anti-drug campaign undertaken across the country to dismantle narcotics supply chains and prevent the circulation of illegal drugs.
Nationwide Operations Against Drug Trafficking
Apart from the Surat operation, DRI conducted multiple raids and surveillance-based operations at airports, railway stations, courier terminals, and highways in cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Patna, Cochin, and Ahmedabad.
Collectively, these operations have led to the seizure of approximately 26 kg of cocaine since last month. Authorities also arrested 22 individuals, including 14 foreign nationals, highlighting the international links involved in the illegal drug trade.
Sophisticated Smuggling Techniques Uncovered
Investigators found that traffickers employed several innovative methods to evade law enforcement agencies. These included swallowing drug-filled capsules for internal concealment, hiding narcotics inside household products and edible items, soaking drugs into fabrics, and concealing them within baggage.
Officials said the coordinated operations were specifically aimed at dismantling organised criminal syndicates engaged in trafficking narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The enforcement drive aligns with the Government of India’s vision of achieving a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” (Drug-Free India).
International Day Against Drug Abuse
The intensified anti-drug operations coincide with International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed every year on June 26. Established by the United Nations in 1987, the day seeks to promote global cooperation against illegal drug trafficking while raising awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
Gold Smuggling Syndicate Busted at Mumbai Airport
In another major success, DRI dismantled a highly organised foreign-origin gold smuggling syndicate operating through Mumbai Airport. During the investigation, officials uncovered a secret gold-melting facility allegedly used to melt and process smuggled gold before distributing it into the domestic market.
The operation exposed a well-structured network involving airport insiders and multiple intermediaries.
Nine Arrested, Six Kilograms of Gold Recovered
DRI arrested nine individuals linked to the Mumbai syndicate. Those apprehended include airport staff, a handler, three intermediaries, the operator of the illegal gold-melting unit, and three persons engaged in the melting process.
Authorities recovered and seized approximately 6 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold from the facility.
Bengaluru Operation Reveals More Contraband
In a separate operation at Bengaluru, DRI intercepted an international passenger carrying 1.8 kg of 24-carat gold in paste form, ingeniously concealed within the layers of garments.
Subsequent searches at the accused’s residence resulted in the recovery of approximately 1.5 kg of gold jewellery, 45 kg of silver, and both Indian and foreign currencies. The passenger was arrested under the relevant legal provisions.
Additional Seizures Across India
Earlier this week, DRI also conducted enforcement operations at airports, railway stations, and land customs stations in Hyderabad, Rajkot, Calicut, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, and Petrapole.
These coordinated actions led to the seizure of an additional 6 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold, while five more individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in smuggling activities.
Massive Overall Recovery
With the dismantling of the Mumbai-based gold smuggling syndicate and multiple follow-up operations, DRI has seized approximately 15 kg of gold, 45 kg of silver, along with valuable Indian and foreign currencies. The total value of the recovered precious metals is estimated at around ₹23 crore.
Overall, 15 people have been arrested in connection with the nationwide gold smuggling investigations.
Strengthening India’s Economic and Border Security
The latest operations underscore DRI’s continued focus on combating organised transnational crime involving narcotics and precious metals. Officials believe these coordinated actions have dealt a significant blow to sophisticated smuggling networks that exploit airports, courier channels, rail routes, and land borders.
The agency has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border security, disrupting criminal syndicates, and safeguarding the country’s economic interests through intelligence-driven enforcement operations.
